Help, early labour signs at 33 weeks

[StressedButBlessedx]

Hi, this might be a long post so SIA. I'm currently 33 weeks pregnant and at my growth scan and consultant appointment they found that baby's growth has started to slow down enough for it to raise some concern. And also said his head is quite low. I'm going back in 2 weeks for a another scan and appointment to see how things are and if my ELCS will have to be brought forward. But today I've started having some symptoms that are making me worry. Briefly they've been lightening crotch, lower back pain, pain in my groin that stops me in my tracks, pain in my perineum, a harder tummy than before, what feels like absolute exhaustion, a lot of white discharge and pain in both my hips.. especially my left. Walking around to move baby hasn't made any difference. Spoke to a midwife who said it doesn't sound like BH because it doesn't come strong with a big release afterwards. I also didn't have BH with my previous pregnancy. (No blood showing btw)

On top of that I've had to be tested for Covid today because I've started with symptoms grrr.

I'm praying someone has been in a similar situation as me and can offer some reassurance or info on how it went for them? I can't sleep now for worrying.

+my whole abdomen just feels achy all the way round to my back. Again, none of this happened last time and my bump is tiny still 😭

Are you sure it’s early labour signs..? I cant say but I thought you might say losing fluid or mucus plug etc. Possible you have pelvic girdle pain? I’m 35weeks and definitely have ‘new’ uncomfortable sensations all over abdomen & pelvis but none that are definitely early labour like contractions/fluid/bloody show or what I consider signs of labour etc. Hopefully you’ll get a negative covid result but if you are ill that might make you achey too. Also possible baby is getting head down getting ready which is normal for your timeframe. Can you go and get checked out just in case when you hopefully get a negative result? Xo

I’d ring doc/MW and get a scan, it is the only way to tell. Is baby moving around?
Hope you are negative on the covid front

I can’t offer any advice, but I felt exactly the same as this last night (I’m 33 weeks too) and had to go to bed early. Hopefully it’s nothing to worry about.

@sjxoxo

Are you sure it’s early labour signs..? I cant say but I thought you might say losing fluid or mucus plug etc. Possible you have pelvic girdle pain? I’m 35weeks and definitely have ‘new’ uncomfortable sensations all over abdomen & pelvis but none that are definitely early labour like contractions/fluid/bloody show or what I consider signs of labour etc. Hopefully you’ll get a negative covid result but if you are ill that might make you achey too. Also possible baby is getting head down getting ready which is normal for your timeframe. Can you go and get checked out just in case when you hopefully get a negative result? Xo

Unfortunately I don't know what natural labour looks like as I was induced at 37 weeks with my daughter so I'm in the dark with all this at the moment. Still got the pains this morning but I've figured if looking after a poorly 2 year old can distract me, they can't be that bad right?

And you are right about if I'm unwell that aches and pains will be normal. Thankyou for your response x

@Suzi888

I’d ring doc/MW and get a scan, it is the only way to tell. Is baby moving around? Hope you are negative on the covid front

Thankfully baby is moving around relatively normal. Only slightly less but that might just be me being preoccupied with my daughter and not paying enough attention. I'm sitting down now to pay proper attention. Midwife said this morning that because I'm not bleeding she wouldn't say "oh no go straight away!". But also that there's no harm in getting checked and that it's what they're are for. Will keep this thread updated incase it helps someone else one day. Thankyou:) xx

@janbaby22

I can’t offer any advice, but I felt exactly the same as this last night (I’m 33 weeks too) and had to go to bed early. Hopefully it’s nothing to worry about.

Oh no! It really sucks doesn't it with being so unsure. How do you feel this morning? Better I hope xx

I had lightning crotch around that time and didn’t give birth till 41 weeks.

It could be that the baby has shifted position. Low head can cause lightening crotch and if the baby’s back is facing outwards (ideal position for birth), that could be why your tummy feels harder.

If you’re worried of course you should go to hospital to be checked, but nothing from what you’ve described sounds like the start of my labour, personally.

@StressedButBlessedx feeling a bit better now thank you, but I have taken the day off work. I wonder if overexerted myself yesterday.
How are you feeling now?

@GemmaRuby

I had lightning crotch around that time and didn’t give birth till 41 weeks.

It could be that the baby has shifted position. Low head can cause lightening crotch and if the baby’s back is facing outwards (ideal position for birth), that could be why your tummy feels harder.

If you’re worried of course you should go to hospital to be checked, but nothing from what you’ve described sounds like the start of my labour, personally.

Very reassuring to hear. Things aren't as bad now and after calling they said as long as I'm not bleeding and baby is moving I shouldn't be too worried. She was lovely though and said if I am they're more than happy to double check as unexpected things happen all the time. Thankyou for the reply x

[quote janbaby22]@StressedButBlessedx feeling a bit better now thank you, but I have taken the day off work. I wonder if overexerted myself yesterday.
How are you feeling now?[/quote]
Glad you had a better day yesterday! I'm having a better day today and have received a negative Covid test which I think helps the nerves too haha x